This memorial website was created in memory of our loved one, Rev. Dorrance Manning, 88, born on June 25, 1928 and passed away on June 24, 2017. We will remember him forever. THANK YOU to all who attended the Mermorial Service which was held, Friday, June 30 at the Linn Ave Pentecostal Holiness Church in Oklahoma City.

THANK YOU to others who watched the live stream.

THANK YOU to Rev. Bob Ely and Rev. Terry Tramel who officiated the service.

Internment will be at Arlington Memory Gardens, date to be determined.

"If I could only be half the person you were I would be something Just being in your presence All doubt, I could deterFor your words were so encouraging I learned so much from youNot just your sweet loving kindness And the truth, but what you Passed onto my mother, your daughter The gift of faith is so strong in her And the legacy of love and devotion You bestowed upon your sons and daughters And the following generationsIs undeniable proof that God is waiting on usTo teach us how to bear fruit I never felt judgmentJust inspiration, and reassurance That if my trust was in the LordSeeking his ways, with assurance And if the words from my mouth Were not filled with words of fear He will give me the desires of my heart If it is in his will We are sad to see you go because You were a perfect blessing on this earth But happy for you still Because you drove Yourself like a bucking bull Straight up into heaven Where you are healed"

"Letter from Dorrance to Evelyn having received several of her letters; details how he would like to be saved; talks about his current job.

Kyusku Island, Japan1731st Eng. Util Det.Feb 1st, Saturday

Dearest Evelyn,

Two letters in three days. You talk about a fellow walking on air, well you should see this fellow. Some of my buddies don't know what to think of me for being so happy over a letter. Your mail is coming through O.K. now because the one you addressed to this outfit made it in 8 days. The one you wrote November 30th took almost two months.

The letter you wrote me telling me of seeing mother has not yet reached me. I still want to ask for your forgiveness for not trusting you as I should.

Well, I'll have to finish this tonight. There is lots I have to say and just don't know how to say it.

Here it is night and I've practically given up trying to say what I didn't know how to say. But, I will say this. I really would like to be a Christian. A good one I mean. I would want to stick it like you do and I believe I would if I ever get far enough to resist temptation. To tell you the truth tho, if I ever got saved again, I'm determined to stick with it. Pray for me that I can live up to that.

There is something that I wish you would help me decide. You see, I haven't determined which college I should go to after I get out. It's all paid for so I don't have to worry about the money part. Mignon and Dean want me to go to drigan (Dona: the letters are there but it doesn't make sense) and finish school. I'd kinda like to go back to A&M and finish another year but after hearing Bro. Covin at Campmeetting, I really want to go to where you're going.

We about had a big strike over here. It would have affected this outfit greatly especially where gas and labor is concerned. The labor is picked up by G.I. trucks but we wouldn't have had any laborers if the strike had come off. Also, instead of the customary 1500 gallons of gas a day we use, we were to be limited to 1000 gallons of a gas per month. The reason the strike was called off was because of a speech Gen. MacAuthur made.

That was really rough your not getting to take that vacation (Dona's Note: Evelyn was at Southwestern and probably could not go anywhere over break). Could you have went home? I know what it means to go home after not being there for a while.

I don't know if I ever made it clear to you what happened since I first wrote you from the Ripple Dipple. When I wrote you from there, I had a temporary job as bakers assistant. It was a good job, near Tokyo, and more in the civilized part of Japan. Now we are about 6 or 7 hundred miles from Tokyo.

Thanks a lot for your faith and likability in Mother and Daddy. I think they are wonderful too. You're a wonderful person yourself. Yours Sincerely, Dorrancey"

"Letter from Dorrance to Evelyn while he was in the service before they went to Southwestern College and dated there.

73rd Engineers AA June 1, 1947

Dearest Evelyn,

I dreamed of you again the other night so here I am writing you again. Seems like every time I dream of you, it is a reminder that you're praying for me every day and that that is better than a letter every day. Your letters encourage me though so if you ever do get time to write, please do.

Time is passing swiftly and I'm glad. I hope to start to school second semester of next year.

Evelyn - It's about time for lights out so I'll tell you hello and send this with the letter that was sent back. I really hope you get this one.

I do so want to hear from you, yet it seems like ever thing keeps your letters from reaching me. I know your writing though maybe not very often.

On Leslie, my husband’s death, I was set free of many things. One was the responsibility of taking care of my husband’s mother: that care passed to Leslie’s sister. It also meant I was “free” to be pestered by neighbor’s daughters looking for drugs at all hours. Not a good situation. Knowing that ultimately, I was moving from Muskogee, OK anyway the only choice was where to move. I could: (1). Go live by my father and step-mother, Shirley in OKC, OK or (2). Go live by my grandchildren in Tarpan Springs, FL. Each had their pros and cons.

Although I was still in shock from Leslie’s death, I began praying about where I should go but received no resolution or peace. One day, my sister who was helping me and I met my folks and other’s at our half-way drive point (halfway between OKC and Muskogee, OK) for a meal. I got to sit by my dad this time and was tickled pink to get the “chosen spot”. Dad sat and talked to me for a little while, then he asked me if I had made any decision on where I was going to live. I told him how I was “feeling” about each place but that God had not directed me to either yet. Uncharacteristic of him because he never gave advice unless asked, my Dad then said, ”Dona, your grandchildren are growing up. You only get a few years with them before they will not listen to you anymore. If you are going to go be with them, now is the time.” While he was speaking, I felt God’s peace descend on me and the Holy Spirit was on me, filling me with power. I knew what decision that God wanted me to make. I knew that my Dad would accept whatever decision that I made so I did not worry about disappointing him about not moving to be with him in OKC. God did not usually speak to me through my Dad to determine ways to go but this time He did. Others were not so cool with my decision but I knew God had spoken and pushed on. Praise His Name Forever!!!!

It has been One year six months since my move to be near my grandchildren in FL and now my Dad is gone to heaven. Satan has whispered in my ear that I could have spent that time in OKC with my Dad but I know that I would have missed the peace that I have here in FL. I am a bunch better physically and mentally than I was before moving and I enjoy living here. I am so glad God had me move here! I am so glad that it was my Dad that God worked through to send me that message of where to go because now I just tune Satan out! I just relax in God’s peace living where He has planned."

Dearest Evelyn,I guess you've been wondering what happened to that ole kid called Dorrance. Well, I'll tell you. He is now in Uncle Sam's Army down at Fort San Houston, Texas. Yes, he's been in since the 22. I guess it's sudden and I guess I should have given more thought to college but I didn't so here am I.

I surely do wish you could have gone to campmeeting with us because it sure was a swell one. Then to, maybe, if you would have been there, I would have had a better chance to get saved. One thing I think that will keep me from going to the bad while I'm in here is the knowledge that you and mother are praying for me in every prayer.

If things of according to rumor, I'll get to take basic training in Amarillo. Here is hoping.

I don't know whether you've answered my previous letter or not but I surely hope that you answer immediately because I'll only be here 7 days.

Your father, as you knew, served on the East Oklahoma Conference Board while I was Superintendent. He and I had many great times together during those years.

The only bad thing I can remember in or relationship, was that I couldn't beat him in ping pong.

It was my privilege to be with him at the Ada church, Conference Board Meetings, as well as other times when he was holding revivals. His ministry in message and song was such a tremendous blessing to everyone. He has left a great heritage."

Was my dad the Manning brother that was going to be a movie star, but decided that GOD’s things meant more that earthly treasures? Yes, that was my dad. Well, You made the right choice. Many people would not have come to Jesus; others would not have gotten deeper into Him; and our family probably wouldn’t be serving God today much less love Him like we all do.

You were was not just a preacher, but a music minister also You knew the Bible, forward and back. When you prepared a sermon, you prepared for an event

I remember you preaching of how you tormented a lion in a zoo having us all on the edge of our chairs and almost losing us when you roared for the final time. It was an event, we all remembered being at that service hearing that sermon years later

You always liked to lighten our path with a joke that we had never heard before. I’m laughing Dad for you cause somewhere in Heaven I have no doubt you are telling a joke somewhere!!!!

I know up in heaven you are talking to all our loved ones and probably playing all the musical instruments.

But most of all, you are probably Circling the heavens going 90 miles and hour and bucking like a bucking horse (at least all your grandchildren think of you that way)

Then you will be Meeting with all the other tons of saints that you invited into glory

Here we gather all of us and We are here to say we were proud that you were our Dad!!! Yes for all the brothers and sisters, step brothers, step sisters, grandchildren, and great grandchildren you leave.We loved you! You were a great man! You were a great father!"

"I hardly know where to begin in rendering tribute to this wonderful man of God and Father in the Faith. Dorrance walked into my life at a ping pong table. His challenges improved my skills at that game, though not enough to ever win against him. One night, after several games, he gave me a tough-love talk that was highly influential in turning my heart toward Christ. I look forward to seeing him in heaven as we all worship our Lord. I pray that all the family experience Jesus' love and the Spirit's comfort through their grief."

"Dorrance was one of my favorite cousins. His Dad and my Dad were brothers. My husband, Bob Ely, and I both got saved while he was pastoring the Norman First PH Church. He was a wonderful male role model for me. I fondly remember singing with him and Evelyn the old gospel song, "I'd Like to Talk it Over With Him". There were times that I sang with him and Woodrow Stevens. About every 2-3 months, I rode with Dorrance and Evelyn to the Stringtown Prison near Atoka, Ok on a Sunday afternoon and our trio sang to the inmates incarcerated there. I credit Dorrance with my older brother living a Christian life and ultimately going to heaven. He took the time to encourage him and help him as a new Christian. I dearly love Dorrance and Shirley and his entire family. What a glad reunion day when we all get together and talk it over with our Savior."

"What joy and honor to know Dorrance and call him friend. My connections and memories of Dorrance goes all the way back to me birth. Dorrance's dad TV Manning and my Dad (the late Paul W. Oxley Sr.) were the best and closes of friends going back to the Kansas Conference of the IPHC. Time nor space will allow me to embellish all the precious memories of those years. I'll share one - Dorrance and I were asked to be ministry team for the Appalachian Conference Campmeeting in Dublin VA. It was such a joy! I led the Praise and Worship and the Choir, and Dorrance did the Preaching and Teaching. Both of us were welcomed, honored and celebrated! For me it was such a blessing to deepen our friendship! I thank God for the life - living and legacy of Dorrance Manning! So I don't say goodbye - I just say see you in the morning my brother Dorrance!"

"Dorrance was a great evangelist, pastor, mentor, and friend to many. When I was a very young pastor many years ago, Bro. Dorrance was a great encouragement and inspiration. Heaven is sweeter today but he will be missed!"

He always had a way of explaining scripture from the Bible in a way that I could understand. He loved to tell stories, and he could really tell them well. He always had a good joke to share. He really loved his family and his extended family. I remember one time I was in town and stopped by the church to see him. He was busy in his office preparing for his Sunday sermon but he stopped what he was doing to visit with me and made me feel so loved and welcomed. He is a man that I looked up to and respected very much."

"(From Grandaughter - Nesta Trevino copied from Facebook)My grandfather, Dorrance Manning, went to heaven last Saturday. The next day would have been his 89th birthday but instead he is celebrating in heaven! A sad day for us, but what a great day for him!!!"

"Dorrance and I were 2 of the 7 siblings that lived to adulthood--he was 7 years older. He started high school when we lived in Grand Quiviera, NM. He had to ride a bus at 0 dark thirty to school and home at dark. We moved to Boise City, OK where he finished and graduated. He was a relentless tease at home and school. His favorite teacher told him: "Dorrance, do you know I pray?" Him: "Really! What about?" Teacher: "Oh Lord, give me grace to endure Dorrance one more day!"

He was captain of the basketball team and they all agreed to get crew cuts. He read a comic while his best friend's little brother cut his hair. It was Sunday and he came into church with a skull cap on and sat on the back seat that night. Daddy made him come up and get his guitar and take his cap off. We laughed and laughed! Daddy gave him a buzz cut the next day to even it out. When his team saw it, they nicknamed him "baldy" and never got their haircuts.

He had the lead in his Junior and Senior plays. He hitched to California out of high school to become a cowboy movie star. He got a job at a hotel as bellhop. He found out he needed more education so returned to Okla A&M where he signed up for every music class available. Only he found out that wasn't allowed and he had to take more English, math and history. At the end of that year, he enlisted in the Army and went to Japan during the Occupation. When he returned, he went to Southwestern College and married Evelyn Lemon. They were so good to me and helped me for several years. I have always been very proud of my big brother!!! I will miss him but we will have forever together!!!"

"I traveled to Fox with Darryl, my roommate at Southwestern, to be in service with his family. It was my first time to meet Dorrance. I remember how much I enjoyed his preaching. Over the years, my respect for him has always been high, whether talking about ministry, or playing in a pick-up basketball game. His joy of life and devotion to the Lord, and love for his family [and his set shot] touched my life."

"A very special, fun, and loved brother-in-law. We will miss him a lot. He always had a funny story or joke, loved and excelled at sports and games. His family was special to him. Rest w/God, Dorrance."

"Dorrance was a very bright light In this world. I believe his Competitive spirit in sports came naturally because he had the same competiveness when it came to helping those around him. He truly fought the good fight for us. He never gave up on anyone that I know and was always there for me & my family. We're better off for having him as a friend, dad & grandpa. We love you & miss your smiling face."

"I remember my dad always liking to ride me horsey on his leg until I got too large to fit. He would take my little hands and hold me secure while his leg was going as high as a kite (at least that is what he said it was doing)."

"I have so many special memories of Uncle Dorrance. He taught me how to play Rook and let me play at the "Big" table. Uncle Dorrance was such a great example and his love for God shined brightly. I love you Uncle Dorrance and will miss you."

"Dorrance Manning was/is a sweet soul, faithfully pastoring the same church for years. I don't ever remember seeing him in a bad mood, or upset or angry. He seemed to always have a smile and a kind word for anyone he met. He paid me a personal compliment at House of Joy Church in South Oklahoma City one day that I don't think I will forget in this lifetime. An honest example of the love of God in action. A brother that was truly easy to love. So long my Brother. Until we meet again....."

"I always enjoyed the tennis "lessons" he gave me, playing basketball with the young man (twice my age) who always seemed to get the best of me. He always had that sly smile, always had time for a chat for an average Joe like me. Was such a joy just to share the same room with, but most of all, his mere presence just showed the love of God. You will be missed"